Teen Guitar Sponsorship Application

Pick Jesus Guitar Camp

For ages 13–19 only. Applicants generally must not have a usable guitar of their own.

Fishers of Men will try to find a sponsor to cover the cost of a guitar. Applying does not guarantee a sponsor, funding, or an instrument.

About the applicant

You may use a parent or guardian’s contact information.

Instrument need and musical interest

Do not include Social Security numbers, bank details, or sensitive documents.

Additional Eligibility Provision · Existing Unusable Guitars

Fishers of Men Bible and Music Centers may, at its sole discretion, consider providing a sponsored guitar to a student who already has a guitar if that instrument is of such low quality, is broken, or is missing essential components that it cannot reasonably be used for learning and practicing.

For example, a student who has an electric guitar but no amplifier may be considered when the lack of an amplifier prevents practical use of the instrument.

Having a guitar does not automatically disqualify an applicant under this exception. All other program requirements, including genuine financial need, still apply. Approval and sponsorship are not guaranteed.

Applicants requesting this exception should describe the guitar’s condition or missing equipment below.

This provision is part of the application and sponsorship terms.

Financial Need Qualification

This program is for low-income households that genuinely cannot afford a basic beginner guitar. Families able to buy one without sacrificing essential needs are not eligible.

Both conditions must be met: household income is at or below 200% of the current HHS poverty guidelines for household size, AND buying a basic guitar would interfere with essentials such as housing, food, utilities, necessary medical care, or transportation to work or school.

A preference to save money, avoid spending available funds, or buy a more expensive guitar does not establish need. Meeting the income limit alone is not enough.

2026 annual household income limits

200% of HHS guidelines for Mississippi and the other contiguous states and DC

For more than 8 people, add $11,360 per additional person. Alaska and Hawaii use their separate HHS guidelines. Update these limits annually; use the guidelines in effect on the application date.

Source: HHS 2026 poverty guidelines, Federal Register 91 FR 1797, multiplied by 2.

For this program, count people who live together and share household finances, including the applicant. Dependent applicants ages 18–19 must include the household that financially supports them. Include recurring wages before taxes, net self-employment earnings, and recurring cash income such as support, retirement, or benefits; exclude noncash aid. Use the most recent 3 months averaged and multiplied by 12. Explain a recent income loss below.

Before assistance is confirmed, Fishers of Men will request limited verification of income and need, such as redacted recent income records or a written verification from a social worker or counselor who has reviewed the household finances against these criteria. Benefit enrollment alone does not establish eligibility. Ask us for a private way to provide verification; do not email unredacted financial documents.

Eligibility and Sponsorship Terms

Please read before signing.

Who may apply

Applicants must be ages 13–19 on the application date, must lack a usable guitar, and must meet both financial need requirements above. Families able to afford a basic guitar are not eligible. A parent or guardian must give permission if the applicant is under 18. Applicants must provide truthful information and intend to use and care for the guitar.

How applications are considered

Priority is based on financial need and lack of access to a guitar. Interest in learning and a realistic practice plan are considered; beginners and self-guided learners are welcome. Prior playing ability, grades, essay polish, and ability to pay for lessons are not selection criteria. Reasonable help completing the application is welcome.

Fair review and conflicts of interest

Selection will be nondiscriminatory, using the same published criteria for all applicants. Personal relationships, donations, church affiliation, and connections to staff, volunteers, board members, or sponsors do not give an applicant priority. Reviewers must disclose a personal or family connection and step aside from that decision. When equally qualified applicants can use the same available assistance, a documented random drawing will break the tie. Decisions and reasons will be recorded.

Sponsorship is not guaranteed

Fishers of Men Bible and Music Centers will try to find a sponsor to cover the cost of a guitar. Applying, meeting eligibility criteria, attending a program, or joining a waiting list does not guarantee a sponsor, funding, a guitar, or a delivery date. Fishers of Men is not obligated to purchase a guitar with its own funds. An application is a request for consideration, not a promise of assistance.

If sponsorship becomes available

Assistance depends on sponsor funding and a suitable instrument. No particular brand, model, condition, or accessories are guaranteed; a guitar may be new or used. Any offer will explain what is included. Lessons, camp fees, maintenance, repairs, and replacement are not included unless separately confirmed in writing. Applicants do not need to find their own sponsor.

Information and questions

Application details are used to review need and coordinate assistance. Sponsor requests should use an anonymous description. Identifying details or photos will be shared only with separate permission from the applicant or, if under 18, a parent or guardian. Publicity is not required. Questions about an error or conflict may be sent to beth@fishersofmencenters.org.

By signing, I confirm my information is accurate and I understand these terms.

Questions: beth@fishersofmencenters.org | 601-518-5000

Teen Guitar Camp information